NBC recently debuted one of their new Summer shows, The Listener. With lots of negative reviews, how did the first episodes perform in the ratings? Is the show worth keeping or should the network listen to critics and cancel it?
The Listener is a Canadian drama that revolves around a young paramedic (Craig Olejnik) who has the ability to listen to people’s inner thoughts. He tries to help those in need while trying to figure out his own place in the world. Others in the cast include Ennis Esmer, Colm Feore, Lisa Marcos, Mylene Robic, Anthony Lemke, John Fleming, Lara jean Chorostecki, Arnold Pinnock, and Paulino Nunes.
The show has already run in several countries around the world and began airing in the US on June 4th. NBC aired the first episode at 9pm and it ranked in fourth place for the timeslot, attracting just 5.25 million viewers and a 1.5/4 rating/share in the 18-49 demographic. The 10pm episode garnered a few more viewers (5.34 million) but lost a bit in the demo (1.4/4).
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Many critics crucified the series and even fellow NBC employee Greg Grunberg may not be crazy about it either. The actor, who plays a mindreader on Heroes, tweeted, “New ‘original’ NBC show about a guy who can hear thoughts… called, uh…The Listener? Uh, no wait, I know this. BRAIN FART!! Genius!!” On Tuesday, he retweeted a fan’s note that said, “wht is ths ‘The Listener’ crap. thr’s alrdy a show abt a mindreader on tv, its called heroes, & @greggrunberg is all we need.”
The peacock network can’t be pleased with Listener’s lackluster performance, even for a Summer series. If NBC was footing the bill exclusively, the show would certainly not be back for another season. But, because the network is simply purchasing the broadcast rights from Canada’s CTV, the show’s much less expensive for them. If CTV decides to produce another season, it might make some sense for NBC to pick it up.
What do you think? Is the show work watching or should it be cancelled already?
Image courtesy CTV.
Please do not cancel The Listener! I LOVE this show and I would be devistated if it were cancelled! I love love love it so please keep it 🙂
Keep the series. I really got into it as did my family. We really enjoy it!
Keep it,Toby is to HOT to miss
i think the show is great. its nice to have some decent canadian shows on for once instead of watching american idol every night on ctv.
Keep the series
This is a good show & each show makes you want to watch more, what’s going to happen w/ Toby & Charlieor the doc? NBC needs to give it a chance….how many shows do we have based in Canada? I will be disappointed. You guys are comparing it to Heroes, where does this come from, Heroes is more like xmen, he hears peoples thoughts in need & helps. You’ve not even let the plot explain more about his younger life….I’m going to be very disappointed….I was disappointed when I couldn’t find it on cable last night. Come on, at least… Read more »
I have to admit, the first couple of episodes felt a little formulaic, but each one got better and better as the characters got fleshed out a bit. The main actors are all very good and the quality of the show is quite good in terms of sets, lighting etc. What I love is the fact that it’s in Toronto, and they’re not afraid to hide that. As for Heroes having a telepath, firstly, both shows are completely different in style and storyline. Secondly The Listener actually had a good cliffhanger ending to it’s first season, where Heroes’ first season… Read more »
I admit the show took some time to hit its stride, but its really gotten good lately. Can’t believe they won’t even run the full season. I don’t think I’ll start watching any new NBC series until they finish a season and get renewed. Not worth it.
Of course the one show that was clever and entertaining is cancelled. I watched it weekly and although the writing could have been sharper the characters and their interactions were perfect. These shows need time to develop. A half dozen episodes is not a ture indicator. NBC is famous for killing Star Trek now a multi billion dollar franchise. It was in a bad time slot. NBC wakeup and put it back on in a better time!
I wish they would keep it. Tobey and Oz have great chemistry together, and they make me laugh all the time. Hopefully, CTV will have another season, and we’ll at least be able to get online episodes. Better advertising (actually, ANY advertising) and perhaps a better time slot (Tuesdays or Wednesdays perhaps?) would help a lot!
I feel like this show would be a huge hit with 18-24 year olds, however, a lot of people in that age group are out at 10pm on a Thursday night! Think about NBC!
I enjoy the show and hope that it will still go on.
Do not cancel Listener…..each episode gets better and it has
great potential.
KEEP IT! 🙁 It’s already been canceled, had no idea… Found out tonight when I couldn’t find it in the guide’s line up!! Very upset
The more episodes I watched of The Listener the better I liked the show. Some shows need a little more time than some people want to allow. It’s like folks when reading a book lay it down after the first chapter if it didn’t tweak their interest. I enjoy the show and hope to see the next season.
The lead’s acting is a little premature but this show has great potential.I’d like to see another season.